Wyoming’s Wind River Country

WIND RIVER COUNTRY AT A GLANCE

Wyoming’s best adventure starts in Wind River Country. Located in western Wyoming, just beyond Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton Mountains, Wind River Country is the place to go to get away from the crowds.

St Stephens Credit Wind River Country-Suite

Enjoy These Great Wind River Country Attractions and More:

The Wind River Heritage Center
Fremont County Pioneer Museum
Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary
Town Park and the Scenic Overlook
and plenty more

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Popo Agie Falls Trail. Photo by David Rule

WYOMING’S WIND RIVER COUNTRY DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: VISIT HISTORIC SITES INCLUDING THE 1838 MOUNTAIN MAN RENDEZVOUS SITE

Established in 1906, Riverton—also known as The Rendezvous City—lies at the confluence of the Big and Little Wind Rivers. The city is located in a natural basin that has long been a gathering point, most notably for the 1830 and 1838 mountain men fur traders. Grab breakfast downtown at Brown Sugar Coffee Roastery, a popular locally owned and operated restaurant.

Depart to The Wind River Heritage Center, the new location of the WYRiverton Chamber and Visitor Center. See Wyoming wildlife and western history while gathering information about Wyoming’s Wind River Country. Close-by the Riverton Museum offers educational exhibits and programming, including a walking tour of nearby historical buildings.

Visit the 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous site. Stretching 100 acres along the Wind River, the site has a walking path with stone markings and signs sharing tales about famed mountain men. Enjoy lunch at Roasted Bean & Cuisine. This restaurant offers hand-crafted dishes made with high-quality ingredients, sourced locally when available and in season.

Work up an appetite hiking the Rails to Trails pathway. From the trailhead in Riverton to the outskirts of town following the old railroad right-of-way, the Rails to Trails pathway—also known as the Wyoming Heritage Trail—welcomes visitors at almost every cross street in town. Have pizza, calzones, pasta or subs at Perrett’s, an Italian restaurant with fresh ingredients and a welcoming environment.

DAY 2: HIKE THE FALLS TRAIL IN SINKS CANYON STATE PARK

Incorporated in 1890, Lander was named for Frederick W. Lander, the engineer responsible for the Lander Trail, a wagon road traveled by thousands of people heading West. Grab breakfast at The Middle Fork. With an all-from-scratch menu featuring local ingredients, fuel up for a day of adventure with delicious breakfast dishes.

The Fremont County Pioneer Museum collects, preserves and interprets artifacts from prehistory through the 1920s. It is home to a Pioneer Village, which features 10 historic buildings depicting pioneer living from 1880 to 1930.

Hike the Falls Trail in Sinks Canyon State Park. This three-mile, easy to moderate hike, surrounds a series of waterfalls and cascades with the longest vertical fall about 60 feet high. Enjoy a tasty salad, burger, sandwich or pizza for lunch at Gannett Grill.

Peek into the history of the Wind River Indian Reservation through the TravelStorys Wind River Indian Reservation Audio Tour. During this tour you’ll visit significant sites such as Sacajawea’s Grave Site, while enjoying the beauty of the Reservation and hearing stories told by the Eastern Shoshone and the Northern Arapaho. Return to Lander’s Main Street for a stroll through town and dinner at Mulino Italian Bistro, a sophisticated, yet relaxed restaurant featuring appetizers, salads, house-made pastas and specialties.

DAY 3: WALK ALONG THE RIVER AND EXPERIENCE A WILD HORSE TOUR

Grab a quick bite and a warm drink at Lincoln Street Bakery in Lander. This bakery features traditional breads, pastries and other tasty delights.

Enjoy a wild horse tour while learning about Native American culture at the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary. Home to more than 250 wild mustangs. The Sanctuary’s educational interpretive visitor center includes curated panels and displays and a small gift shop. Depart for Dubois, which is one of the last real Old West towns. Dubois is a charming hidden gem with the authentic feel of the Frontier. Visit the National Museum of Military Vehicles. Within the museum is a collection of historically-significant firearms, including the first sniper rifle used in combat.

Town Park and the Scenic Overlook captures many of the natural joys of Dubois. Extending on both sides of the river, the River Walk is a paved walkway lined by willow, juniper and sagebrush.

Stroll and shop along Ramshorn Street’s art galleries and stores, then dine at The Lone Buffalo Steakhouse. Later, experience Dubois’ favorite tradition since 1948—square dancing at Rustic Pine Tavern.

Wyoming’s Wind River Country still has plenty more for travel groups to experience, so be sure to Subscribe to Leisure Group Travel for FREE and get even more travel ideas and tips